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Monday April 2, 2012Gators Give Back to the Community for Easter

Members of
the University of Florida men’s basketball, baseball, tennis teams, various
support staff and several student volunteers gathered this afternoon to help
give back to the community for Easter.

“This is
the second annual Easter Basket Extravaganza that we’ve had,” said Senior Associate
Athletic Director for Compliance Jamie McCloskey, who helped plan and
also volunteered at the event. “This year the goal was to put together 300 baskets for
local families in need and for children that would normally not get an Easter Basket
on Easter.”

The
Gators and volunteers helped pack over 300 Easter Baskets for needy families in
Gainesville and the surrounding areas. The event was made possible thanks to
generous donations by Head Men’s Basketball Coach Billy Donovan, Head
Baseball Coach Kevin O’Sullivan and Head Volleyball Coach Mary Wise.

“My
buddy Greg Larson brings me to these things and lets me know when they’re
happening and it’s great to give back and make these Easter Baskets for some
little kids and put a smile on their face,” said baseball junior right-handed
pitcher Hudson Randall.

This was
the second annual year that the St. Augustine Church on W. University Ave. partnered with
the University Athletic Association (UAA) for an Easter event to reach out to
the Gainesville community. The Gators also took part in a Thanksgiving food
drive which helped feed over 500 families.

“It was
fun. It’s always nice to help out kids in need,” said junior men’s tennis
player Bob van Overbeek. “A lot of athletes were here helping out and
hopefully the kids will get a little bit better Easter because of it.”

The
student-athletes and volunteers worked in an assembly line placing candy in
baskets and helping bring it to cars before bringing it to its intended
destinations.

“I was
the stick man so I carried the baskets to the car,” said redshirt freshman
basketball center Cody Larson. “It was a lot of fun and it’s always good
to come and help out and do what we can to give these kids a good Easter.”